Inclusive Healthcare Is a Human Right, Not a Favour” – Dr. Venkatesan Chakrapani at SRM’s National TOT on Transgender Care
Kattankulathur, June 17, 2025
“Inclusive healthcare requires empathy, knowledge, and dedicated training to ensure dignity for all individuals,” stated Dr. Venkatesan Chakrapani, Chairperson of the Centre for Sexuality & Health Research and Policy, Chennai, during the inauguration of the National-level Multidisciplinary Training of Trainers (TOT) on Transgender Care.
This two-day programme, organised by SRM College of Nursing in collaboration with SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre and the Central University of Tamil Nadu, aims to equip healthcare professionals with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and awareness needed to provide respectful and competent care to transgender and gender-diverse individuals in clinical and academic settings. The programme is sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).
Presiding over the event, Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar, Pro Vice Chancellor (In-Charge), SRM MCH & RC, highlighted the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in healthcare education, stating, “This initiative represents an academic commitment to social responsibility. We are laying the foundation for meaningful change.”
Dr. Helen Shaji J.C, Dean of SRM College of Nursing, welcomed the participants and underlined the broader goal of the training:
“This was not just about training. It was about shaping systems that support and serve every individual with dignity.”
The comprehensive TOT programme included sessions on gender diversity, hormone therapy, gender-affirmation surgeries, legal aspects, hospital policies, and mental health, fostering academic discussion, clinical learning, and institutional planning.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Lt Col A. Ravi Kumar, Advisor, SRM MCH & RC, who noted, “This training bridged the gap between science, service, and policy. It aimed to influence clinical decisions and institutional practices.”
The inaugural session concluded with participants gaining valuable knowledge and insights to better support and care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
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